NEW DELHI, Jul 20: Four companies with substantial stakes held by entities from neighbouring countries have been allowed to bid for power projects for a two-year period beginning from June 24, Parliament was informed on Monday.

This would enhance competition, promote price stability, and address supply constraints, while supporting the objectives of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, said Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

The minister was replying to a question by MP Jose K. Mani about whether the government recently allowed four companies with Chinese ownership or links to participate in government tenders for critical power projects.

However, the minister did not specify that these four entities are Chinese-owned.

He stated that the government has recently allowed four entities, having substantial ownership by entities from land-border-sharing countries, to participate in India in the procurement bids for power projects for a period of two years with effect from June 24, 2026, subject to such entities complying with the prescribed domestic content requirements.

On the safeguards put in place to address national security concerns arising from their participation in India's critical power project, the minister stated that the products manufactured at such India-based facilities are subject to mandatory BIS/IS testing and certification by designated certifying agencies.

In addition, compliance with applicable Indian cyber security guidelines and standards, including mandatory cyber security testing, as may be required, he added.

Accordingly, the minister stated in the written reply that adequate safeguards are in place to address potential national security concerns without imposing a blanket exclusion on such entities, thereby ensuring that security interests are protected while facilitating competitive procurement. (PTI)